Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are representative persistent pollutants. We have developed a novel sample extraction technique (Microwave-Assisted Steam Distillation) for PCBs and OCPs analysis. The analytes were effectively vaporized with water vapor which was generated by microwave irradiation. Because only volatile compounds were recovered in the solvent, the obtained extract could be analyzed with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers without any cleanup process. The technique gave comparable analytical results with the values obtained by other extraction methods. Smaller organic solvent consumption (10 ml or less) and shorter process time (60 min) would be advantages over other methods.
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Comparison of Microwave-Assisted Steam Distillation (MASD) andconventional sample pretreatment technique.
In the case of MASD, effective extraction of PCBs and OCPs was driven by water circulation. Water vapor was generated from the microwave irradiated sample, then the condensed water permeated into the sample by capillary action repeatedly. Through this process, PCBs and OCPs carried by water vapor were trapped into the organic solvent without direct contact between the solvent and the sample.
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Relational Information |
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AIST Today Vol. 3, No. 7 (2003) 8
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No.10 Autumn 2003
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